How to Maintain Quartz and Granite Worktops: Cleaning & Care Guide 2026

Quartz and granite worktops are designed to withstand the demands of a busy kitchen, but even the toughest surface will benefit from the right care.

Fortunately, maintaining a stone worktop does not have to involve complicated routines or expensive treatments. In most cases, regular cleaning, prompt attention to spills and a few simple precautions are enough to keep your worktop looking its best for many years.

However, quartz and granite are not the same material. Quartz is an engineered, non-porous surface that does not normally require sealing, while granite is a natural stone whose maintenance requirements can vary according to its colour, density, finish and treatment.

This complete 2026 guide explains everything you need to know about quartz worktop maintenance, granite worktop care, everyday cleaning and professional stone worktop sealing.

Quartz and Granite Maintenance at a Glance

Before looking at each material in detail, here are the main differences:

Maintenance requirement	Quartz worktops	Granite worktops
Daily cleaning	Warm water and mild washing-up liquid	Warm water and mild washing-up liquid or stone cleaner
Sealing required	No	Possibly, depending on the stone and existing treatment
Heat protection	Always use a trivet	Trivets are still recommended
Cutting boards	Recommended	Recommended
Abrasive cleaners	Avoid	Avoid
Harsh chemicals	Avoid	Avoid
Spillages	Clean promptly	Clean promptly, particularly oils and strongly coloured liquids
Specialist maintenance	Usually minimal	May benefit from periodic inspection or resealing

Quartz is generally the lower-maintenance option because its engineered surface is non-porous and does not need sealing. Granite is also highly durable, but as a natural material, its absorbency and sealing requirements can differ from one slab to another.

Why Proper Worktop Maintenance Matters

A quality stone worktop is an investment in both the appearance and functionality of your kitchen. The correct care routine can help:

• Prevent grease and cleaning-product residue from building up
• Reduce the risk of staining
• Preserve the original surface finish
• Protect edges and corners from chips
• Prevent heat or impact damage
• Maintain the appearance of joins and sink areas
• Extend the life of the worktop

Most damage is not caused by ordinary kitchen use. It is more likely to result from using an unsuitable cleaning product, placing an extremely hot item directly onto the surface, allowing spills to sit for long periods or repeatedly applying abrasive products.

Following a few practical worktop maintenance tips is therefore far easier than trying to restore a damaged surface later.

How to Clean Quartz Worktops

Quartz worktops are created using natural quartz minerals combined with resins and pigments. This produces a strong, consistent and non-porous surface that is highly resistant to everyday staining and moisture.

Quartz is easy to maintain, but it is not indestructible. The resins used within the material can be affected by extreme temperatures and certain strong chemicals.

Daily Quartz Worktop Maintenance

For everyday cleaning:

1. Remove crumbs and loose debris.
2. Wipe the surface using warm water and a small amount of mild washing-up liquid.
3. Use a soft cloth, microfibre cloth or non-abrasive sponge.
4. Wipe again with clean water to remove any soap residue.
5. Dry the surface with a clean microfibre cloth.

Drying the worktop helps prevent streaks, watermarks and dull-looking residue, particularly on darker or highly polished quartz surfaces.

Granite & Marble Shop recommends using a soapy cloth after use and drying quartz with a microfibre cloth as part of regular aftercare.

How to Remove Grease From Quartz

Cooking grease can gradually form a dull film over the worktop, especially around hobs and food-preparation areas.

To remove grease:

• Use warm water with a small amount of mild washing-up liquid.
• Allow the solution to sit briefly on the affected area.
• Wipe with a soft, non-abrasive cloth.
• Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
• Dry the surface completely.

Avoid repeatedly adding more cleaning product without rinsing it away. A worktop that looks cloudy or streaky is often covered in soap or cleaner residue rather than being permanently damaged.

A specialist pH-neutral quartz cleaner may be helpful where ordinary washing-up liquid does not remove the film.

How to Remove Dried-On Food

For food or residue that has dried onto the surface:

1. Soften the residue with warm water.
2. Leave it for a few minutes.
3. Gently remove it using a non-scratch pad or a suitable plastic scraper.
4. Clean the area with mild soap and water.
5. Rinse and dry the surface.

Do not use a metal blade or knife to scrape the worktop, as this could mark the finish or damage the surrounding area.

Manufacturer guidance for quartz surfaces similarly recommends mild detergent and water, with a non-metallic scraper or non-scratch pad for stuck-on material.

How to Deal With Stains on Quartz

Quartz is stain-resistant rather than completely stain-proof. Coffee, tea, wine, curry sauces, oils and strongly coloured foods should still be wiped away promptly.

For a fresh spill:

• Blot or wipe it up immediately.
• Clean with warm, soapy water.
• Rinse the area.
• Dry it with a microfibre cloth.

For a persistent mark, use a cleaner approved by the manufacturer of your particular quartz worktop. Product recommendations can vary between Caesarstone, Silestone, CRL Quartz and other brands.

Always test a new product on a discreet area first and follow its usage instructions carefully.

Does Quartz Need Sealing?

No. Engineered quartz worktops do not normally require sealing.

The non-porous structure of quartz means a separate stone sealer cannot penetrate it in the same way that it can penetrate certain natural stones. Applying an unnecessary sealer may leave a residue on the surface and make the worktop appear smeared or patchy.

Quartz manufacturers, including Caesarstone, confirm that their quartz surfaces do not require sealing.

One of the most important rules of quartz worktop maintenance is therefore not to apply granite, marble or natural-stone sealer unless the product manufacturer has specifically told you to do so.

Protecting Quartz From Heat

Quartz offers good resistance to everyday kitchen temperatures, but direct or prolonged exposure to high heat can damage the resin within the material.

Always place a trivet or heat-resistant mat underneath:

• Hot saucepans
• Frying pans
• Roasting trays
• Air fryers
• Slow cookers
• Electric grills
• Portable hobs
• Other heat-producing appliances

Do not move an item directly from the hob or oven onto a quartz worktop.

Sudden temperature changes can also affect the surface, so heat protection should be used even when an item will only be placed on the worktop briefly.

Protecting Quartz From Scratches and Chips

Although quartz is hardwearing, always use a chopping board when preparing food.

Cutting directly onto the worktop can:

• Mark or dull the finish
• Damage knives
• Leave metal residue on the surface
• Increase the risk of accidental impact damage

Take additional care around exposed edges, corners, sink cut-outs and dishwasher areas. These are often more vulnerable to chips if struck by a heavy pan, appliance or other hard object.

Never stand or sit on a quartz worktop. Concentrated weight around joins or unsupported sections may damage the surface or cabinetry beneath it.

Products to Avoid on Quartz

Unless specifically approved by your quartz manufacturer, avoid:

• Oven and grill cleaners
• Paint stripper
• Drain cleaner
• Highly alkaline cleaners
• Strong solvents
• Abrasive powders
• Wire wool
• Metal scouring pads
• Furniture polish
• Wax-based polish
• Granite or marble sealers

Bleach should only be used when permitted by the manufacturer and exactly as instructed. Prolonged contact with strong chemicals can discolour or damage some quartz surfaces.

If a strong chemical is accidentally spilled, remove it and rinse the area immediately with plenty of clean water.

How to Clean Granite Worktops

Granite is a natural stone formed over millions of years. Each slab has its own mineral composition, pattern, colour and level of absorbency.

This natural variation is part of granite’s appeal, but it also means that granite worktop care should be based on the particular stone installed in your kitchen.

Some granite surfaces are extremely dense and require very little additional treatment. Others may benefit from a penetrating sealer to provide greater resistance against oil and water-based spills.

Daily Granite Worktop Care

For routine kitchen worktop cleaning:

1. Wipe away crumbs and loose dirt.
2. Clean the surface with warm water and a mild washing-up liquid.
3. Alternatively, use a pH-neutral cleaner designed for natural stone.
4. Wipe the worktop with clean water.
5. Dry it with a soft microfibre cloth.

Avoid leaving excess water around joins, taps, sinks and upstands.

Drying the surface will also help prevent streaks and mineral deposits from developing, especially in hard-water areas.

Clean Granite Spills Promptly

Granite is durable and generally resistant to staining, but spills should still be cleaned up as soon as possible.

Pay particular attention to:

• Cooking oils
• Butter and greasy food
• Red wine
• Coffee and tea
• Sauces
• Food colouring
• Cosmetics
• Cleaning chemicals

Rather than spreading an oily spill across the surface, gently blot it with an absorbent cloth before cleaning the area.

Prompt cleaning is particularly important if the worktop is due for resealing or if the stone has a lighter colour.

Avoid Harsh and Acidic Cleaners

For routine granite cleaning, avoid using:

• Abrasive cleaning powders
• Wire wool
• Metal scourers
• Oven cleaner
• Drain cleaner
• Undiluted bleach
• Strong acidic or alkaline products
• General-purpose cleaners that are unsuitable for natural stone

Homemade mixtures containing vinegar or lemon juice should also be avoided as a general stone-cleaning method. Even where the granite itself is relatively resistant, acidic products may affect the surface treatment, joins, surrounding sealants or other nearby stone materials.

A pH-neutral stone cleaner is the safest option where warm, soapy water is not sufficient.

Protect Granite From Heat

Granite has excellent heat resistance, but it is still sensible to use trivets and heat-resistant mats.

A trivet protects:

• The stone from sudden temperature changes
• Surface treatments and sealers
• Joins and adhesives
• The cabinetry underneath
• Surrounding materials that may be less heat-resistant

Heat-producing appliances such as slow cookers, coffee machines, air fryers and electric grills should also be placed on a protective mat, particularly when operating for long periods.

Use Chopping Boards on Granite

Granite is highly scratch-resistant, but cutting directly onto it is not recommended.

Chopping boards help protect:

• The worktop’s polished finish
• The edges of kitchen knives
• The stone from accidental impact
• The surrounding area from food residue

Granite can also contain natural fissures and mineral variations. These are characteristics of natural stone rather than faults, but repeatedly striking the surface with heavy cookware should still be avoided.

Does a Granite Worktop Need Sealing?

There is no single resealing schedule that applies to every granite worktop.

The Natural Stone Institute states that many granite worktops do not require sealing, while others can gain additional stain resistance from a suitable penetrating sealer.

Whether your worktop requires sealing will depend on:

• The type and density of the granite
• Its level of porosity
• Whether the slab was resin-treated during production
• The finish of the surface
• The type of sealer originally applied
• How heavily the worktop is used
• The advice provided by the fabricator or installer

Some installers may recommend inspection or resealing after approximately 12–18 months, while modern professional sealers can remain effective for considerably longer. You should therefore follow the guidance supplied with your particular worktop rather than automatically sealing it every year.

What Does Granite Sealer Do?

A penetrating stone sealer is designed to reduce the rate at which water, oil and other liquids are absorbed into the stone.

Sealer can give you more time to clean up a spill, but it does not make granite completely stain-proof. It will not prevent:

• Chips caused by impact
• Scratches from inappropriate use
• Heat damage to surrounding materials
• Damage caused by harsh chemicals
• Problems with joins or unsupported sections

Sealing is a preventative treatment, not a protective coating that makes the worktop indestructible.

Signs Your Granite May Need Professional Attention

Contact your installer or a stone-care specialist if:

• Water quickly darkens the surface
• Oil appears to absorb more readily than before
• Stains are becoming difficult to remove
• The finish looks noticeably uneven
• You do not know whether the stone has previously been sealed
• The worktop has been cleaned with an unsuitable chemical
• You are unsure which sealing product was originally used

Do not apply a new product over an existing sealer without checking compatibility. Using the wrong sealer or applying too much can leave haze, streaks or residue.

Granite & Marble Shop can advise on suitable stone-care products and whether your particular granite worktop may benefit from further treatment.

How to Remove Common Marks From Stone Worktops

Different marks require different treatment. The following general guidance is a useful starting point, but always check the manufacturer or installer’s recommendations first.

Watermarks and Streaks

Watermarks are often caused by mineral deposits or cleaning-product residue.

Try:

1. Cleaning with warm water and a small amount of mild washing-up liquid.
2. Rinsing thoroughly with clean water.
3. Drying with a fresh microfibre cloth.

Avoid allowing water to air-dry repeatedly on dark or glossy worktops.

Greasy or Cloudy Film

A cloudy appearance is often caused by too much soap, polish or spray cleaner.

To address it:

• Use a clean cloth rather than one containing fabric conditioner or polish.
• Clean the surface with a small amount of mild detergent.
• Rinse several times with clean water.
• Dry and buff gently with a microfibre cloth.

Do not apply furniture polish or wax to create shine. Quartz and polished granite receive their finish during manufacturing or fabrication and should not need household polish.

Tea, Coffee and Wine

Clean the spill promptly with warm, soapy water.

If a mark remains, use a stain-removal product approved for the specific surface. Do not assume that a product suitable for granite can also be used on quartz, or vice versa.

Limescale Around Taps

Prevent limescale by drying the area around taps and sinks after use.

For established deposits, contact the worktop manufacturer or installer before using a limescale remover. Many commercial limescale products are acidic and may not be suitable for natural stone, surface sealers or some quartz brands.

Oil Stains on Granite

Oil can penetrate some natural stones and may require specialist treatment.

Avoid trying a series of strong household chemicals, as these may spread the stain or affect the finish. A professional stone specialist can identify the likely cause and recommend an appropriate poultice or stain-removal process.

Common Worktop Cleaning Mistakes

Even durable worktops can be damaged by the wrong maintenance routine. Avoid these common mistakes:

Using Too Much Cleaning Product

More cleaner does not necessarily produce a cleaner surface. Excess product can leave behind a film that attracts dirt and makes the worktop look dull.

Using the Same Product on Every Surface

A cleaner that is safe for laminate, ceramic tiles or stainless steel may not be suitable for quartz or granite.

Using Abrasive Pads

Abrasive pads and powders can gradually alter the finish, particularly on polished or darker surfaces.

Leaving Spills Until Later

Quartz and granite are resistant to everyday use, but removing spills immediately remains the safest approach.

Applying Sealer to Quartz

Quartz does not normally require sealing. An unsuitable sealer can leave difficult-to-remove residue.

Assuming All Granite Must Be Sealed Annually

Granite varies significantly. Some surfaces may benefit from resealing, while others may not require it. Always obtain advice based on the particular stone and treatment.

Placing Hot Pans Directly on the Worktop

Trivets are inexpensive and remove the risk of heat damage or thermal shock.

Standing on the Worktop

Stone is strong but not flexible. Standing on the surface can place concentrated pressure on cut-outs, joins and unsupported sections.

A Simple Worktop Maintenance Schedule

After Everyday Use

• Wipe away spills and crumbs.
• Clean with warm, soapy water.
• Rinse away residue.
• Dry with a microfibre cloth.
• Keep sink and tap areas dry.

Once a Week

• Clean behind small appliances.
• Check for grease around the hob.
• Clean around upstands and splashbacks.
• Inspect sink areas for residue or limescale.
• Check that appliance feet are not scratching the surface.

Every Few Months

• Inspect joins, edges and sink cut-outs.
• Check for signs of impact damage.
• Review the care instructions supplied by the manufacturer.
• Check whether any frequently used cleaning products have changed formulation.
• Assess whether granite is absorbing spills differently.

When Required

• Ask a professional to inspect stains, chips or damaged joins.
• Obtain advice before resealing granite.
• Use only compatible, manufacturer-approved care products.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to clean a quartz worktop?

Use warm water, mild washing-up liquid and a soft cloth. Rinse the surface with clean water and dry it with a microfibre cloth to prevent streaks and residue.

Does quartz need to be sealed?

No. Engineered quartz is non-porous and does not normally require sealing. Applying natural-stone sealer to quartz may leave residue on the surface.

How often should granite worktops be sealed?

There is no universal schedule. Some granite may benefit from periodic resealing, while dense or professionally treated granite may require little additional treatment. Follow the advice provided by your installer.

Can I use vinegar to clean granite or quartz?

Vinegar is not recommended as a general stone worktop cleaner. Use warm, soapy water or a pH-neutral product approved for the specific material.

Can I use bleach on a stone worktop?

Strong or concentrated bleach should generally be avoided unless the worktop manufacturer specifically approves it. If an unsuitable chemical is spilled, rinse the surface immediately and seek professional advice if any discolouration remains.

Can hot pans be placed on granite?

Granite is highly heat-resistant, but using a trivet is still recommended. This protects the worktop’s treatment, joins, adhesives and nearby materials.

Can hot pans be placed on quartz?

No. Hot pans and oven trays should be placed on a trivet or heat-resistant mat. Extreme heat can affect the resin within an engineered quartz worktop.

Why does my quartz worktop look dull?

Dullness is often caused by grease, soap or cleaning-product residue. Clean the surface with mild washing-up liquid, rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean microfibre cloth. Avoid using wax or furniture polish.

How can I make my worktop shine again?

Start by removing all cleaning-product residue with warm water and a suitable mild cleaner. Dry and gently buff the surface with a microfibre cloth. Do not attempt to mechanically polish the surface or apply household polish without professional advice.

Can damaged quartz or granite be repaired?

Some chips, joins and surface damage can be professionally repaired, but the result will depend on the material, colour, pattern and location of the damage. Contact a professional fabricator rather than attempting a DIY repair.

Expert Quartz and Granite Worktop Care

Correctly maintained quartz and granite worktops can remain a beautiful focal point within your kitchen for many years.

The most effective routine is also the simplest: clean with gentle products, wipe up spills promptly, use chopping boards and trivets, and seek specialist advice before applying a sealer or stain-removal treatment.

Granite & Marble Shop has been supplying and installing premium stone worktops for customers across Stockport and Manchester for more than 20 years. Our experienced team can advise you on cleaning products, aftercare and the most suitable maintenance routine for your particular worktop.

Visit our Stockport showroom to explore our full range of quartz, granite, marble and porcelain worktops, or call 0161 480 4676 to speak to our team.